A Haven in the Heights – Alewa Heights

Located between Kamehameha Heights and Nuuanu, Alewa Heights is one of the oldest hillside neighborhoods in Honolulu with residential development dating back to the 1920s. Alewa Drive heads upward from North School Street to an elevation of just over 1,000 feet at the top of the Kapalama Ridge. Like other west Honolulu heights, it was favored by local families for its proximity to business districts in downtown, Kalihi, the waterfront, and the airport area. Access to the Pali and Likelike Highways is also convenient from Alewa Drive. The cooler weather and views, from some locations extending from Pearl Harbor to Diamond Head, were also appealing features to the kamaaina who built on the hill… homes ranging from modest single family dwellings to large estates, some now considered historic.

Rarely available, a vacant lot at 834C Alewa Drive is currently on the market. Offered at $945,000 fee simple by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties Realtor John Peterson, the lushly landscaped property overlooks Nuuanu Valley and the Oahu Country Club.

“The location is one of the features of this lot that a buyer will find attractive…it is just high enough on Alewa Drive to provide panoramic views without the long drive to the top. Because of its orientation on the hill, it is also very private,” Peterson said. “The owner subdivided a very large parcel, which was originally part of a 2.28-acre kamaaina estate that includes an original home by one of Hawaii’s great mid-century architects Hart Wood. The Mediterranean architecture of the nearby homes gives this small development a rich and historic feel. Having sold one of the two subdivided lots a few years ago, on which now sits a contemporary Mediterranean home, I envision the second lot as a great opportunity for a buyer or builder looking for the perfect setting for a new quality home.

“The views from this property are panoramic and will be the focus of any home built here…as will the unique features of the property, which includes mature plants and terraced portions rimmed by rocky ledges. With over 17,980 square feet of land it is far larger than any of the properties sold or listed in Alewa Heights in the past six month period.”

“Alewa Heights is one of my favorite neighborhoods,” Peterson added. “There’s a sense of community here, with many long-time owners and second generation families who have maintained and upgraded their homes over the years. A number of public and private schools, including UH Manoa, can be easily reached from this neighborhood as well as shopping areas and downtown businesses. Alewa is also a great neighborhood for taking a stroll or walking a dog…with a picturesque little park near the top of Alewa Drive as a destination.”

Shown by appointment. Contact John Peterson at 808-220-5555 for more information.